Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
This program is designed if you are seeking an understanding of human behavior. You learn to utilize the tools and techniques of psychologists. This degree plan requires foreign language credits. Employment for graduates include positions in social and mental health agencies under the supervision of licensed or certified personnel. View undergraduate degree plan for Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
This is primarily structured if you are planning to pursue graduate study. Physical science and computer science course work substitute for the foreign language requirement. Career opportunities are available in social, mental health area and industrial/corporate arenas. View undergraduate degree plan for Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Undergraduate Psychology (PSYC) Course Descriptions
2270 |
Learning and Study Skills |
Designed to help you improve your academic skills. Topics include learning styles analysis, active reading skills, test-taking skills, self-monitoring, memory improvement, time management and career orientation. |
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2301 |
General Psychology |
An introductory survey of the major areas of psychology such as learning, personality, social, testing, developmental and physiological. Emphasis on psychology as the study of behavior and includes both human and animal behavior. |
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2315 |
Lifespan Development |
Emphasizes major aspects of psychological development through life. Aspects of development examined in the course will include cognitive, physical, social, moral, linguistic and emotional changes through childhood, early adulthood, middle adulthood and older adulthood. |
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2317 |
Introduction to Statistical Methods |
Statistical concepts and techniques used in behavioral science research. Topics include graphs, measures of position, central tendency and dispersion, correlation and regression and probability. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 or higher level mathematics course (grade of C or higher). |
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3301 |
Advanced Statistics |
Advanced statistical concepts and techniques used in behavioral science research. Topics include graphs, measures of position, central tendency and dispersion, along with correlation and regression and probability. Prerequisite: PSYC 2317 or PSYC 2471 (grade of C or higher). |
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3302 |
Methods in Psychology |
An introduction to the methods of research employed in the study of behavior. Topics include nature and philosophy of science, descriptive, correlational and experimental designs. Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher) and PSYC 2317 or PSYC 2471 (grade of C or higher). |
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3310 |
Systems and History of Psychology |
Historical development of psychology. Emphasis on the evolution of major systems of psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher). |
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3320 |
Psychology of Personality |
A study of several of the major theories of personality organization and adjustment processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher). |
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3330 |
Psychology of Social Interaction |
Investigation of psychological basis of interpersonal behavior. Emphasis is on the study of individual experience and behavior in relation to the social environment, and how behavior affects and is affected by social interaction. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher). |
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3340 |
Industrial Psychology |
Introduction to psychological processes and techniques as they apply in industrial settings. Emphasis on selecting, training and evaluating workers. Emphasis also on organizational influences on behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher). |
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3360 |
Psychological Tests and Measurements |
Theory and use of instruments for measurements of intelligence, interests, aptitude and attitudes. Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher), PSYC 2317 or PSYC 2471 (grade of C or higher) or equivalent or permission of instructor. |
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4100, 4300 |
Undergraduate Research |
Designed to provide an opportunity for advanced psychology students to pursue an individual research project under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: grade of C or higher in 9 hours of Psychology courses and permission of instructor. |
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4301 |
Special Topics |
Selected special topics in research fields of contemporary psychology. May include library and/or laboratory work and conferences with a faculty member. Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher) and permission of instructor. Prerequisites may vary with topic. |
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4310 |
Sensation and Perception |
A review of research and theory regarding the structure and function of the basic sensory processes and sensory perception. Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher) and PSYC 2317 or PSYC 2471 (grade of C or higher). |
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4320 |
Abnormal Psychology |
A study of abnormal behavior. Special emphasis on the symptomatology, etiology and therapeutic approaches. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher). |
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4330 |
Experimental Psychology |
Techniques to demonstrate and investigate concepts in psychology. Includes planning and executing an original research project. This is a writing-intensive, capstone course. Prerequisites: PSYC 3301/3302 or PSYC 3420 (grade of C or higher) and ENGL 3310 (grade of C or higher). |
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4360 |
Learning and Cognition |
Theories and research concerning learning and cognitive processes, with a consideration of practical implications. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher). |
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4380 |
Behavioral Neuroscience |
Survey of the biological bases of behavior with emphasis on the mechanisms in the central nervous system. Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher) and an introductory Biology course (grade of C or higher). |
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4390 |
Psychopharmacology |
Study of the field of behavioral pharmacology focusing on the effects of drugs on behavior and the neurophysiological mechanisms of action of psychoactive drugs. Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 (grade of C or higher) and an introductory Biology course (grade of C or higher). |
Minor in Psychology
The Psychology Department of Lamar University requires a minimum of 18 hours (9 advanced hours) of psychology courses to qualify for a minor. The department will not accept any grade in the minor below a ‘C.' Required courses include PSYC 2301 and PSYC 2317 (or PSYC 2471). You must select an additional 12 hours of psychology electives, 9 of which are required to be upper level. You are encouraged to discuss your course selections with a member of the psychology faculty.
Scholarships
Mamie McFaddin Ward Scholarship
- Psychology major, junior or senior classification
- 3.0 or higher GPA
- Full-time enrollment (12 hours/semester)
Sigmund Greenberg Memorial Scholarship
- Psychology major
- 3.0 or higher GPA
- Full-time enrollment (12 hours/semester)
John Darren Murphy Memorial Scholarship
- Psychology major
- 3.0 or higher GPA
- Full-time enrollment (12 hours/semester)
- Leadership qualities
- Professional potential
- Demonstrated scholarship, integrity and sound character traits